Bio & Incident Details

Officer Eugene Hooper was shot and killed while searching a vehicle on the Akron Expressway in connection with the armed robbery of a service station.

One of the suspects was able to grab Officer Hooper's partner's service weapon and opened fire. Officer Hooper was fatally wounded. His partner and a reserve officer was also shot and critically wounded. His partner was paralyzed from the waist down. A truck driver who came upon the scene used their police radio to call for help. Both suspects were captured at their apartment four hours later.

The shooter was convicted of first degree murder and attempted murder and sentenced to two life terms in prison. He was denied parole in 2010 and again in 2014. His next parole hearing is in October, 2019. His accomplice was convicted of second degree murder. He was paroled in 1977.

Officer Hooper had served with the agency for 14 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Most Recent Reflection

My Dad Earl Elliott met Eugene Hooper in WW ll in a cave on Iwo Jima getting drinking water.The next time
is when my Dad went on the Force A.P.D. My Dad said
He was first on the scene the night Eugene died. Dad passed away, so I know they will meet once more.